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Rangers tab Ogando to start on Tuesday

Rangers tab Ogando to start on Tuesday

7/28/13: Alexi Ogando throws 4 2/3 solid frames, cruising through four scoreless before tiring in the fifth as he allows one run on six hits

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rangers are putting Alexi Ogando back in the rotation. Ogando will make his first start since Aug. 13 when he pitches against the Rays on Tuesday.

Ogando has thrown six scoreless innings in four games as a reliever since coming off the disabled list. His last outing was on Sunday, when he put up 1 2/3 scoreless innings (20 pitches) against the Athletics.

"He has been throwing the ball well," manager Ron Washington said. "Maybe we can get three or four innings out of him. We're going to give him a chance to do it."

Ogando is 5-4 with a 3.47 ERA in 15 starts. He has been on the DL three times this season -- the last time for inflammation in his right shoulder -- but the Rangers believe he is finally healthy.

"Now he has freedom, and his arm is working better," Washington said. "He doesn't feel discomfort. His velocity is up, and he's even got more bite on his slider. It's not spinning, it's snapping."